*** Grassroots Mandate Clarification: Both in-person and on-field sessions must be done within 7 days of each other
Attention: The ENYYSA Grassroots Initiative has been established to uphold the highest coaching standards. As part of this initiative, all travel coaches are required to obtain a minimum US Soccer Grassroots in-person license, an equivalent course, or a higher qualification before the commencement of the Spring 2024 Season. Your commitment to this coaching requirement is crucial for the success of our program. Thank you for your dedication to promoting excellence in soccer coaching
Grassroots Course Requirements:
Coaches
- Blended Course: 2-hour virtual classroom is to occur up to 7 days before the 2-hour field session
or - Traditional In-Person Course: 2 hours in-person + 2 hours field session and the classroom session is to occur within 2-3 days of the field portion
Team Administrators (these include individuals who are NOT coaching)
- are required to take a minimum 2-hour online grassroots course. This does not meet a coaching requirement and does not allow them to coach on the sideline.
How do I get Coaching Certified?
All Coaching Education Licenses and registration are available through the US Soccer Learning Center. For specific links to the various Grassroots Courses (11v11, 9v9, 7v7 or 4v4) visit our Grassroots License page for more details.
As with your Risk Management training, you can find the Coaching Certification on the dashboard of your GotSport account. You can find answers to your GotSport questions here and make sure you have completed your Coaching Certification requirement.
Grassroots Mandate FAQs
Why have it
Some 4 years ago the 10 leagues that make up ENYYSA agreed, with the belief of US Youth Soccer and its education department, that every child playing travel soccer had the right to a qualified coach. As part of this agreement, all leagues agreed that a minimum of a US Soccer grassroots in-person license or equivalent with 4 hours or more duration, would be required of all coaches and team managers wishing to be placed on a team roster.
What is it?
A formal agreement within the 10 leagues that requires all coaches and team managers who wish to be named on a team roster must have a minimum of a US Soccer 4-hour grassroots in-person license, equivalent or greater.
How can I get on a license course?
A large number of courses will be offered each month between now and the fall season. To obtain the most current information on available courses and register please go to the US Soccer Learning Center. Simply complete the grassroots introduction video and search under available courses. Alternatively, contact your local league offices and ask about available courses.
Is the old F license acceptable to meet the mandate?
No, ENY’s old F license combination of the online course and 90-minute field piece is not acceptable.
Is a US Soccer Online Grassroots Course acceptable?
No, this online course with no live interaction or discussion and with no field piece connected, does not meet the mandate requirements.
Is everyone who wishes to be listed on a roster in the technical area at a game impacted?
YES, anyone who wishes to be listed on the roster or in the technical area at a game needs the minimum of a US Soccer grassroots course or accepted equivalent.
Are foreign licenses allowed?
Yes, as noted above, any coaching license that is more than 4 hours and has an in-person facet is considered equivalent to this mandate.
Is anyone grandfathered?
No, the mandate applies to all travel coaches and adults who wish to be listed on a team roster.
How will proof of my license be recorded?
The GotSport registration system, used by all 10 leagues, has a relationship with the US Soccer Learning Center, whereby any coach who has attended a grassroots license can have the coaching requirement field automatically populated as the registration process is completed. Leagues who offer United Coaches’ diplomas of 4 hours or more are working with GotSport to upload Excel spreadsheets with the necessary information so that the process above can be duplicated.
For further questions please get in touch with Director of Coaching, Tim Bradbury at tbradbury@enysoccer.com